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Green Tea Improves Heart Health
A new study has revealed more evidence of the beneficial effect of green tea on heart disease.
Drinking green tea improves circulation and opens the arteries, making it easier for the heart to pump blood and reducing the risk and effects of heart disease, say researchers from the Athens Medical School in Greece.
While black tea has been associated with improved short and long-term circulation, this is the first time that green tea has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the large arteries. Another study has already shown 6 green tea reverses artery dysfunction in smokers.
Green tea, which originates in China but is now consumed throughout the world, is made with pure leaves, and has undergone little oxidisation during processing. The cardiovascular benefits of all teas - as well as dark chocolate and red wine - are attributed to the flavonoids they contain and their antioxidant activity.
However, the researchers say flavonoids in green tea are probably more potent antioxidants than in black tea because there has been no oxidisation.
“Green tea is consumed less in the Western world than black tea, but it could be more beneficial,” said researcher Dr Nikolaos Alexopoulos.
Green tea has previously been shown to reduce deaths caused by heart disease, and its potent antioxidant properties are extremely beneficial, he said.
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